Banana Republic is owned by Gap Inc, the American apparel retailer that acquired the brand in 1983. Banana Republic operates as a wholly owned division alongside Gap, Old Navy, and Athleta.
Most Banana Republic clothing is not made in the USA. Production is spread across a wide network of countries, including Vietnam, China, India, and Sri Lanka.
This article covers who owns Banana Republic, where its clothing is actually manufactured, its newly appointed CEO, and its founding history.
So let’s get started.
Table of Contents
Who Owns Banana Republic?
Banana Republic is owned outright by Gap Inc, a publicly traded American retailer listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker GAP. Current collections are available on Banana Republic’s official website.
Gap Inc purchased Banana Republic in 1983 from founders Mel and Patricia Ziegler and repositioned the brand from its original safari and travel clothing concept into a more upscale, workwear focused label.
Banana Republic remains one of Gap Inc’s four core brands today, alongside Gap, Old Navy, and Athleta.
Banana Republic reported net sales of roughly 1.9 billion dollars in fiscal 2025, with comparable sales growth marking its third consecutive quarter of improvement heading into 2026.
Who Is Banana Republic’s New CEO?
Donald Kohler joined Gap Inc as Global Brand President and CEO of Banana Republic in July 2026, based in San Francisco. He replaced Sandra Stangl, who departed the role in 2024.
Kohler previously served as CEO of PVH Americas, overseeing Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger, and held senior leadership positions at Burberry, Ferragamo, and Diesel earlier in his career.
He also spent more than a decade at Gap Inc early in his career across Gap, GapKids, and babyGap.
Gap Inc has said Kohler will focus on strengthening Banana Republic’s product lineup, deepening brand storytelling, and elevating the brand’s in store and digital experience, building on new premium store concepts introduced in 2025.
Where Are Banana Republic Clothes Made?
Most Banana Republic clothing is not made in the USA. The brand outsources production to third party vendor factories across a wide global network rather than operating its own manufacturing facilities.
Key manufacturing countries for Banana Republic include Vietnam, China, India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Indonesia, consistent with sourcing patterns used across Gap Inc’s other apparel brands. Some items also carry origin tags from countries including Hong Kong, Singapore, and South Korea.
Gap Inc maintains a supplier Code of Vendor Conduct and rates factories on a color coded scoring system, with a stated goal of increasing the share of production coming from its highest rated, green scored facilities.
When Was Banana Republic Founded?
Banana Republic was founded in 1978 in Mill Valley, California, by Mel and Patricia Ziegler under the original name Banana Republic Travel and Safari Clothing Company. More on the brand’s history is documented on Wikipedia.
The original concept centered on safari and travel inspired clothing sold through mail order catalogs featuring illustrated, adventure themed marketing.
Gap Inc acquired the company in 1983, shortened its name, and repositioned it toward a more polished, workwear oriented aesthetic.
Banana Republic has operated more than 400 stores worldwide in recent years and continues to serve as Gap Inc’s dedicated premium lifestyle brand within its broader portfolio.
Is Banana Republic Still Good Quality?
Banana Republic’s quality reputation has slipped in recent years according to reviewers on Trustpilot, Sitejabber, and Consumer Affairs, with long time customers frequently comparing current fabrics unfavorably to the brand’s construction from a decade or more ago.
Common complaints include shirts shrinking or wrinkling after a single wash, synthetic elastane blends in pants that some reviewers describe as uncomfortable, and inconsistent construction between similar items.
Reviewers specifically call out Banana Republic Factory outlet merchandise as noticeably lower quality than the main line, since factory store items are produced separately using cheaper materials.
Not all feedback is negative, and some shoppers continue to praise fit and styling, particularly for workwear and dressier occasions where Banana Republic still positions itself above sibling brands Gap and Old Navy.
Buyers focused on quality are generally advised to shop the main line rather than factory outlet products.
Frequently Asked Questions About Who Makes Banana Republic
Is Banana Republic owned by Gap?
Yes, Banana Republic is wholly owned by Gap Inc, which acquired the brand from its original founders in 1983. It now operates as one of Gap Inc’s four core brands.
Is Banana Republic made in the USA?
No, most Banana Republic clothing is manufactured overseas across a wide range of countries, including Vietnam, China, India, and Sri Lanka. The brand does not operate its own domestic factories.
Who is the new CEO of Banana Republic?
Donald Kohler became Global Brand President and CEO of Banana Republic in July 2026, joining from PVH Corp, where he previously led Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger’s regional operations.
Was Banana Republic always a Gap brand?
No, Banana Republic was founded independently in 1978 by Mel and Patricia Ziegler. Gap Inc acquired the company in 1983 and has owned it ever since.
I am Jack Neel, a mechanical engineer, researcher, and writer. I created this website to share my knowledge about different brands and products with you. I research the manufacturers behind the brands and provide you with the information you need to make smart buying decisions.